The Israeli government and its allies and partners can still contain Hamas and limit its ability to threaten Israel again even without the group’s permanent destruction.

Destroyed military organizations can reconstitute themselves given the space and time to do so, and Hamas will almost certainly attempt to rebuild its military and governance capabilities in the coming years, even if it does not fully take over the government in Gaza.

The United States and its partners must prevent Hamas from rebuilding itself in order to avoid future rounds of conflict in the Gaza Strip.

The United States, Israel, and their partners should support adequate border control measures to prevent weapons smuggling and ensure that humanitarian aid does not benefit Hamas.

The fact that Hamas says it is prepared to distribute aid in Gaza is an alarming indicator in this regard.

It is not yet clear how Hamas will rebuild, or if Hamas in the Gaza Strip will remain part of the wider, multi-territory Hamas organization as Mohammad Sinwar takes control of the organization‘s military in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas will certainly attempt to reconstitute and could become a threat to Israel once more—even if Hamas never again reaches the capabilities it possessed on October 7, 2023

US policy should attempt to support Israeli efforts to prevent Hamas’ reconstitution.